Papulosquamous disorders: lichen planus histology: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Papulosquamous disorders: lichen planus histology

Sample item

Which combination of features is typical of lichen planus on biopsy?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Saw-tooth acanthosis with a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate and Civatte bodies

Lichen planus shows orthokeratosis, wedge-shaped hypergranulosis, saw-tooth rete ridges, basal vacuolar degeneration, Civatte bodies and a band-like infiltrate at the dermoepidermal junction. This is an interface dermatitis.

Option by option

  • A. Parakeratosis with Munro microabscesses

    Parakeratosis with Munro microabscesses is psoriasis.

  • B. Subepidermal split with eosinophils

    A subepidermal split with eosinophils is bullous pemphigoid.

  • C. Suprabasal acantholysis with tombstoning

    Suprabasal acantholysis is the pattern of pemphigus vulgaris.

  • D. Saw-tooth acanthosis with a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate and Civatte bodies (correct)

    Correct. This describes the lichenoid interface pattern.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Saw-tooth acanthosis with a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate and Civatte bodies. Lichen planus shows orthokeratosis, wedge-shaped hypergranulosis, saw-tooth rete ridges, basal vacuolar degeneration, Civatte bodies and a band-like infiltrate at the dermoepidermal junction.

Why is "Parakeratosis with Munro microabscesses" not the answer?

Parakeratosis with Munro microabscesses is psoriasis.

Why is "Subepidermal split with eosinophils" not the answer?

A subepidermal split with eosinophils is bullous pemphigoid.

Why is "Suprabasal acantholysis with tombstoning" not the answer?

Suprabasal acantholysis is the pattern of pemphigus vulgaris.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: lichen planus histology in Dermatology. This is an interface dermatitis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Papulosquamous disorders: lichen planus histology?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.